THE BOOK OF CACTI AND OTHER SUCCULENTS

Here is a book for the beginner whose interest and curiosity about these practical, elegant and effective plants has become so active that he must raise them for himself. It is persuasive, enthusiastic and glows with the virtues of the many varieties; it follows the development of xerophytes in general and several species in particular through their history; it picks the ""best"" in the many families for successful raising; it describes the tribes and subtribes within each group. Naturally it does not neglect the how-to aspects: to pick and buy, to pot and plant, to grow from seed, to make cuttings and divisions and to graft. Besides the discussion of pests and diseases, there are suggestions for all the ways to use these plants, as accents, for rock gardens, perennial borders, informal flower beds, on banks and as ground covers, for terraces and rock walls, under glass, in hanging baskets, in the home and in the greenhouse, and as another sort of collecting hobby. Naturally the outdoor possibilities are limited for northernmost areas but beyond that it should prove a most helpful companion for anyone who gets the bug.